Robert Hampel

Professor Emeritus

Dr. Robert Hampel is a professor emeritus in the School of Education at the University of Delaware and a historian of education who also studies contemporary educational policy. In December 2017, Dr. Hampel published Fast and Curious: A History of Shortcuts in American Education, a book on “shortcuts to learning” or the legitimate and bogus ways to make education (or its illusion) both faster and easier.

In 2024, he received the Outstanding Service Award from the national History of Education Society (HES). From 2002 to 2011, Hampel was the secretary/treasurer of HES, and he later co-chaired the Foundations for the Future endowment campaign. He now serves on the editorial board of the HES journal, and in 2025, the society will rename its annual book prize in his honor.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., History, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1980
• B.A., History, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 1972

Professional Experience

• Professor Emeritus, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2024-present
• Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1997–2024
• Interim Director, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2010–2012
• Interim Director, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1998–2000
• Associate Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1988–1997
• Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1985–1988

Recent Professional Awards

• Outstanding Service Award, History of Education Society, 2024
• Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware, 2013
• Outstanding Graduate Advisement and Mentoring Award, University of Delaware, 2009
• Distinguished Faculty Award, School of Education, University of Delaware, 1997
• Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Delaware, 1995